U.S. patent number 6,648,237 [Application Number 10/054,074] was granted by the patent office on 2003-11-18 for toy vehicle track segment and method of manufacturing a toy vehicle track segment.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Learning Curve International, Inc.. Invention is credited to Lin Ming Chuan Cindy, Richard Rothkopf, Donald E. Toht, K. Dale Weathington.
United States Patent |
6,648,237 |
Rothkopf , et al. |
November 18, 2003 |
Toy vehicle track segment and method of manufacturing a toy vehicle
track segment
Abstract
A toy vehicle track segment is disclosed. The toy vehicle track
segment has a first end, a second end, an upper surface, and a
plurality of nodes. The upper surface has a pair of parallel
recessed rails extending from the first end to the second end. Each
rail has an inner wall joined to an outer wall by a base surface.
The plurality of nodes are located within at least one of the pair
of rails. The nodes are provided for improving traction of a toy
vehicle as it traverses along the upper surface. The nodes are
located on the base surface and extend along a first direction
transverse to the length of the upper surface.
Inventors: |
Rothkopf; Richard (Chicago,
IL), Toht; Donald E. (Wheaton, IL), Weathington; K.
Dale (Mid-Levels, HK), Cindy; Lin Ming Chuan
(Kowloon, HK) |
Assignee: |
Learning Curve International,
Inc. (Chicago, IL)
|
Family
ID: |
21988597 |
Appl.
No.: |
10/054,074 |
Filed: |
November 13, 2001 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
238/10E; 238/10B;
446/445 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63H
18/02 (20130101); A63H 19/30 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
A63H
18/00 (20060101); A63H 18/02 (20060101); A63H
19/30 (20060101); A63H 19/00 (20060101); A63H
019/00 () |
Field of
Search: |
;238/1E,1F,1B,30,29,1R,1A,1C ;446/445,444,476 ;428/151,213
;404/19,42 ;105/1.5 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Morano; S. Joseph
Assistant Examiner: Jules; Frantz F.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Wallenstein Wagner & Rockey,
Ltd.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A toy vehicle track segment comprising: a first end; a second
end; an upper surface having a pair of parallel recessed rails
extending over a length of the upper surface from the first end to
the second end, each rail having an inner wall joined to an outer
wall by a base surface; a plurality of diamond-shaped nodes located
within at least one of the pair of rails for improving traction of
a toy vehicle as the toy vehicle traverses along the upper surface,
the plurality of diamond-shaped nodes located on the base surface
and extending along a first direction transverse to the length of
the upper surface.
2. The toy vehicle track segment of claim 1 wherein the plurality
of diamond-shaped nodes extend from the inner wall of the rail to
the outer wall of the rail.
3. The toy vehicle track segment of claim 1 wherein the plurality
of diamond-shaped nodes further extend in a second direction along
the length of the upper surface.
4. The toy vehicle track segment of claim 3 wherein plurality of
diamond-shaped nodes extend from the inner wall of the rail to the
outer wall of the rail.
5. The toy vehicle track segment of claim 4 wherein the plurality
of diamond-shaped nodes form a continuous, uninterrupted pattern
extending from the first end to the second end.
6. The toy vehicle track segment of claim 1 further comprising a
plurality of spaced railroad ties transverse to the pair of
parallel rails.
7. The toy vehicle track segment of claim 6 wherein each railroad
tie comprises a pair of substantially parallel linear impressions
having a plurality of curvilinear impressions therebetween.
8. A toy vehicle track segment comprising: a distal end; an
opposing proximal end; and an upper surface joining the distal end
and the proximal end, the upper surface comprising a pair of
parallel recessed rails and a plurality of spaced railroad ties,
the rails extending over a length of the upper surface from the
distal end to the proximal end, each rail having an inner wall
joined to an outer wall by a base surface, and the ties extending
transverse to the rails, each tie having a pair of substantially
linear parallel debossed impressions with a plurality of
curvilinear debossed impressions therebetween.
9. The toy vehicle track segment of claim 8 further comprising a
pigmentation within the linear and curvilinear debossed
impressions.
10. The toy vehicle track segment of claim 9 further comprising a
plurality of nodes located within at least one of the pair of rails
for improving traction of a toy vehicle as the toy vehicle
traverses along the upper surface.
11. The toy vehicle track segment of claim 10 wherein the plurality
of nodes are located on the base surface.
12. The toy vehicle track segment of claim 11 wherein the nodes
extend along a first direction transverse to the length of the
upper surface.
13. The toy vehicle track segment of claim 12 wherein the plurality
of nodes extend from the inner wall of the rail to the outer wall
of the rail.
14. The toy vehicle track segment of claim 13 wherein the plurality
of nodes further extend in a second direction along the length of
the upper surface.
15. The toy vehicle track segment of claim 13 wherein the plurality
of nodes form a continuous, uninterrupted pattern extending from
the distal end to the proximal end.
16. The toy vehicle track segment of claim 15 wherein at least one
of the plurality of nodes has a geometric shape.
17. The toy vehicle track segment of claim 16 wherein the geometric
shape is a diamond.
18. A toy vehicle track segment, comprising: a first end; a second
end; an upper surface having a pair of parallel recessed rails
extending over a length of the upper surface from the first end to
the second end and a plurality of ties transverse to the rails,
each rail having an inner wall joined to an outer wall by a base
surface, and each tie having a pair of substantially linear
parallel debossed impressions with a plurality of curvilinear
debossed impressions therebetween; and a pigmentation within the
linear and curvilinear debossed impressions.
19. A method for producing a toy vehicle track segment comprising
the steps of: providing a segment of a solid material having an
upper surface, a lower surface, opposing first and second edges,
and opposing first and second ends; recessing a pair of parallel
members into the upper surface extending in a direction from the
first end to the second end, each parallel member having a width
and a length; forming a plurality of nodes across the width of at
least one of the parallel members; and impressing the upper surface
with a railroad tie pattern having a pair of generally spaced edge
portions and a plurality of curvilinear patterns therebetween.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates generally to toy vehicle tracks, and
more particularly, the present invention relates to a realistic toy
vehicle track segment having a means for providing improved
traction.
BACKGROUND
In the toy vehicle industry, small toy trains are often run on
wooden tracks. These railway systems are designed to grow with the
child. In other words, railway configurations can range from very
simple ovals to complex systems incorporating bridges, buildings,
tunnels, and towns. Many other accessories are available as well
such as: toy figurines, bushes, shrubs, and trees to lend the
system a realistic effect; playmats, playboards, and play tables on
which to build a railway system; carry bags and boxes in which to
store the railway system when not in use; and, storybooks,
iron-ons, decals, and coloring books to further stimulate the
child's imagination.
The railway configurations are built from individual track
sections. The track sections range in size and shape. There are
countless possibilities for individual track sections: some are
straight; some feature switching mechanisms; some are curved; and,
some are ascending for connection to another track positioned at a
higher level.
An important aspect of these railway systems is that the track
sections be interchangeable. Accordingly, most track sections have
a male connector at one end and a female connector at an opposing
end. This allows the track sections to be connected end-to-end in a
variety of configurations. Adding to the interchangeability of the
track sections is the fact that these track sections are usually
reversible.
Manufacturers increase the entertainment value of the toy railway
systems by introducing interesting audio and/or visual stimuli. One
example of this is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,454,513 (the '513
patent). The '513 patent discloses a toy track segment including a
pair of parallel rails, each having a plurality of spaced
discontinuities. The discontinuities are provided to produce
rhythmic "clacking" sound as a toy vehicle traverses along the
track segment.
The track segment of the '513 patent also includes a plurality of
spaced ribs extending transverse to the parallel rails to simulate
railroad ties. The ribs are generally slots cut into the surface of
the track. The slots produce sharp angles on an upper surface of
the track segment. The sharp angles may be susceptible to
splintering, chipping, and/or cracking because the track segments
are typically produced from wood. In addition, the manufacture of
the ribs requires an additional milling step which is costly and
creates additional sawdust that must be cleaned from the shop
floor.
Recently, toy train manufacturers have provided battery powered toy
vehicles, e.g. locomotives, for use with the wooden railway
systems. The battery powered toy vehicles have enjoyed much
commercial success. However, the toy vehicle's wheels often slip
along the upper surface of the individual wooden track segments.
This primarily occurs when the toy vehicle is pulling additional
vehicles and/or when the toy vehicle is ascending an upwardly
angled track segment.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
One object of the present invention is to provide a toy vehicle
track segment. The toy vehicle track segment comprises a first end,
an opposing second end, and an upper surface. The upper surface
includes a pair of parallel recessed rails. The rails extend over a
length of the upper surface from the first end to the second end.
Each rail has an inner wall joined to an outer wall by a base
surface.
At least one of the rails includes a plurality of nodes. The nodes
are located within the rails to provide increased traction as a toy
vehicle traverses along the upper surface of the toy vehicle track.
The plurality of nodes located on the base surface and extend along
a first direction transverse to the length of the upper
surface.
A further object of the present invention is to provide a toy
vehicle track segment comprising a distal end, an opposing proximal
end, and an upper surface. The upper surface joins the distal end
and the proximal end. The upper surface comprises a pair of
parallel recessed rails and a plurality of spaced railroad
ties.
The rails extend over a length of the upper surface from the distal
end to the proximal end. Each rail has an inner wall joined to an
outer wall by a base surface.
The ties extend transverse to the rails. Each tie has a pair of
substantially linear parallel debossed impressions with a plurality
of curvilinear debossed impressions therebetween.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a method
of producing a toy vehicle track segment. The method comprises the
steps of providing a segment of a solid material, forming a pair of
parallel members, and forming nodes within the parallel members.
The segment of a solid material has an upper surface, a lower
surface, opposing first and second edges, and opposing first and
second ends. The pair of parallel members are recessed into the
upper surface and extend in a direction from the first end to the
second end. Each parallel member has a width and a length. The
nodes are formed across the width of at least one of the parallel
members.
Other objects, advantages, and aspects of the present invention
will become apparent upon reading the following description of the
drawings and detailed description of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of three interconnected toy vehicle
track segments;
FIG. 2 ia a end view of a toy vehicle track segment;
FIG. 3 is a end view of a toy vehicle track segment;
FIG. 4 is a partial perspective view about the area designated "4"
of FIG. 1;
FIGS. 5-10 show the steps of manufacturing a toy vehicle track
segment; and
FIGS. 11A, 11B, and 11C show a flowchart of a method of producing a
toy vehicle track segment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
While this invention is susceptible of embodiments in many
different forms, there is shown in the drawings and will herein be
described in detail preferred embodiments of the invention with the
understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an
exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not
intended to limit the broad aspect of the invention to the
embodiments illustrated.
Referring to FIGS. 1-4, a toy vehicle track segment 10 of the
present invention is illustrated. The track segment 10 comprises an
upper surface 12 which joins a first or distal end 14 with a second
or proximal end 16. The ends 14, 16 include connectors 17, 18 for
joining adjacent track segments.
The upper surface 12 includes a pair of rails 19a and 19b. The
rails 19a, 19b are spaced inwardly from edge portions of the track
segment 10 and extend parallel to each other from the first end 14
to the second end 16. Each rail 19a, 19b has inner and outer walls
20, 22 joined by a base surface 24 to form a substantially
U-shaped, longitudinal recess.
The base surface 24 includes a continuous, uninterrupted pattern of
nodes 26 extending along a length of each rail 19a, 19b. The nodes
26 provide a means by which traction is increased as a toy vehicle
traverses the length of toy vehicle track segment 10. This is
especially important when the toy vehicle is a battery powered
vehicle because any slippage that occurs between the vehicle wheels
and the track segment will prevent the vehicle from traversing the
segment, especially upwardly angled segments and/or when the toy
vehicle is pulling a load.
Generally, the pattern includes two or more nodes 26 across the
width of the base surface 24 from the inner wall 20 to the outer
wall 22 or transverse to the length of each rail 19a, 19b. The
nodes 26 may be impressed (relief) or embossed (raised) members
relative to the remaining portions of the base surface 24,
preferably the maximum relief should not exceed 1 mm.
The nodes 26 are preferably formed by crisscrossing impressed
linear divisions or narrow grooves 28 from the inner wall 20 to the
outer wall 22. The divisions 28 are impressed into the base surface
24 at angles relative to the inner and outer walls 20, 22, some
divisions 28 having an angle greater than 90 degrees and other
divisions 28 having an angle less than 90 degrees to form an
X-shaped pattern. The divisions 28 should not exceed 1.25 mm in
depth, and more preferably are less than or equal to 0.1 mm;
however, the division 28 depths can be any range or combination of
ranges therein.
The angling of the divisions 28 forms diamond shaped nodes 26. The
nodes 26 generally have a length of less than about 3 mm, but more
preferably have a length of approximately 2 mm. It should be
understood that the divisions 28 can be curvilinear, and that the
nodes 26 can take any geometric shape and size without departing
from the spirit invention.
The upper surface 12 also includes railroad ties 30. The railroad
ties 30 are generally impressed or embossed members extending a
width of the track segment 10 from one edge portion 31a to another
31b. The railroad ties 30 of the present invention are manufactured
to simulate the wooded railroad ties of conventional railroad
systems. Each tie 30 includes spaced linear parallel impressions
32a, 32b. Several curvilinear impressions 34 are located between
the spaced impressions 32a, 32b. Preferably, the spaced impressions
32a, 32b are substantially linear and parallel rather than exactly
linear and parallel. Substantially linear and parallel is meant to
encompass spaced impressions 32a, 32b that are both linear and
parallel and nearly linear and parallel; i.e., the spaced
impressions 32a, 32b are manufactured to mimic the wooden railroad
ties used in conventional railroads which seldom include exact
linear or parallel edges. In other words, the spaced impressions
32a, 32b may include the deviations from linearity that an edge of
a conventional railroad tie would exhibit.
The spaced impressions 32a, 32b and the curvilinear impressions 34
are provided with a pigment to set them apart visually from the
surrounding portions of the upper surface 12. The pigment may be an
ink, paint, burnishing, or burning of the upper surface 12.
Alternatively, the pigment can be added to the area of the ties
surrounding the impressions 32a, 32b, and 34 or can cover any or
all portions of the tie 30.
In alternate embodiments, the track segment 10 can be supplied with
a reversible lower surface. The lower surface may have an identical
pair of rails and railroad configuration. Alternatively, the lower
surface can be supplied with a road surface. The road surface
includes a recessed road portion that is similar to one of the pair
of rails except that the road surface is wider, taking up most of
the lower surface. The road surface is then provided with road
pattern consisting of a dashed line.
Referring to FIGS. 5-11, the present invention is also directed to
methods of manufacturing a toy vehicle track segment 10. One method
includes the step of rough cutting pieces to a predetermined length
40. The opposing ends of the rough cut pieces are then arbor milled
to form a male connector on one end and a female slot on the
opposing end 42. The end with the female slot is drilled to form a
female lock which receives a portion of the male connector. (See,
e.g., FIG. 9, designated by reference numeral 50)
Next, the upper surface of the piece is arbor milled to from the
recessed parallel rails 44. The bottom surface is also arbor milled
to form another set of recessed parallel rails or, alternatively, a
wider road surface. The base surface of the recessed parallel rails
are then mechanically stamped with X-shaped grooves over the entire
length of each rail 46, and the entire track piece is sanded to
remove excess and unwanted materials.
Next, the railroad tie pattern is added to the track segment 48. In
this step, a hydraulic press is used to hot-stamp the tie pattern
on the track segment perpendicular to the recessed parallel rails.
An ink sheet membrane is utilized to impart the pigment in the
impressed tie patterns.
If a road surface is milled onto the bottom surface of the track
segment, a silk screening operation is carried out. During the silk
screening operation, the road pattern consisting of a dashed line
is painted by silk screen along the bottom surface of the track
segment. Each dash of the road pattern has an incremental length of
approximately one inch.
While specific embodiments have been illustrated and described,
numerous modifications are possible without departing from the
spirit of the invention, and the scope of protection is only
limited by the scope of the accompanying claims.
* * * * *